kojotutorial: a rainbow of adjustable little leggies

Winter in Denver is all over the map. One week it's snowy, blustery and 'Colorado-y' and the next week it's 70 degrees (literally, that describes our last couple of weeks- haha!). It's great for a cold weather wuss like me because I always know that the cold won't stay, but terrible for wardrobe planning. Let's just say that at all times, we each have a whole range of layering options in our closets (and in my diaper bag).

Lately, I've loved adding little 'leggies' to all of Piper Jane's ensembles. They're cute as can be, keep her warm in the cold, and are super easy to take off if the weather pendulum swings over the course of a few hours instead of a few days.

Even better, these leggies are made from knee-high socks, so I made her a whole rainbow of options without breaking the bank (Target has a terrific selection of socks for a couple bucks a pair).

And best of all, they're adjustable- meaning I did add a hem, but left room/fabric for growth. That way, as Piper Jane's little legs get bigger, I can just modify the leggies I already made her, instead of re-buying and re-making new ones in every size.

Want to make a pair or two yourself? You'll need:
-a pair of knee high socks
-sewing machine and supplies
-elastic (optional, but probably a good idea if you're making these for a teeny baby girl)

1. Cut the feet off of the socks, leaving a long tube of printed fabric intact.

2. Hold the tube up to your little one's leg to estimate the length that'll look best (for warmth, make them to cover her whole leg- ankle to thigh). Fold the excess back into the tube.

 

 

3. Stitch around the perimeter of the top of the folded edge. You can make this into an elastic casing (just leave a little space to thread elastic through the top edge) or treat this as the hem. If you're making these for a newborn, I'd suggest adding elastic and using the hemmed, elastic edge as the top of the leggie (the elastic will cinch in to help them stay up). As soon as you pass the 6 month mark (maybe sooner), the top of the knee high can function as the top edge and you'll only need a hem on the other edge- no elastic necessary.

4. As she grows, seam rip your hem out, unfold a bit of the fabric that you've saved and tucked in, and re-hem to add a little length. The stretchy sock is pretty forgiving, re-absorbing the former hem without it being noticeable.

5. Voila- a virtual rainbow of adjustable leggies for any swinging weather pendulums near you.